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United States Patent |
5,007,641
|
Seidman
|
April 16, 1991
|
Gaming method
Abstract
A promotional game wherein prizes are automatically awarded upon
presentation of tokens bearing machine readable codes. The tokens may be
identical to tokens bearing a common code, and the prizes may be awarded
at random to patrons who present an appropriate token bearing this common
code. Desirably, the prizes are awarded substantially immediately upon
presentation of the tokens. The tokens may be product identification code
symbols on packages of goods.
Inventors:
|
Seidman; Charles B. (Merion, PA)
|
Assignee:
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Take One Marketing Group, Inc. (Merion, PA)
|
Appl. No.:
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410101 |
Filed:
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September 20, 1989 |
Current U.S. Class: |
463/17; 273/139; 283/903; 463/25; 463/29; 463/36 |
Intern'l Class: |
A63B 071/00 |
Field of Search: |
364/410,412
273/138 R,138 A,139,269
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
3982102 | Sep., 1976 | Cidade | 235/61.
|
4240635 | Dec., 1980 | Brown | 273/138.
|
4373726 | Feb., 1983 | Churchill | 273/138.
|
4494197 | Jan., 1985 | Troy | 273/139.
|
4630844 | Dec., 1986 | Troy et al. | 273/139.
|
4669729 | Jun., 1987 | Solitt | 273/138.
|
4677553 | Jun., 1987 | Roberts | 273/269.
|
4703933 | Nov., 1987 | Cahill | 273/139.
|
4711454 | Dec., 1987 | Small | 273/269.
|
4764666 | Aug., 1988 | Bergeron | 235/380.
|
4832341 | May., 1989 | Muller et al. | 273/139.
|
4839507 | Jun., 1989 | May | 235/381.
|
4854590 | Aug., 1989 | Jolliff et al. | 273/138.
|
4906826 | Mar., 1990 | Spencer | 273/138.
|
Foreign Patent Documents |
2563032 | Oct., 1985 | FR.
| |
2123702 | Feb., 1984 | GB | 273/138.
|
Primary Examiner: Coven; Edward M.
Assistant Examiner: Passaniti; Sebastiano
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Lerner, David, Littenberg, Krumholz & Mentlik
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A promotional gaming method comprising the steps of:
(a) distributing tokens to patrons;
(b) automatically reading a code on each of said tokens at a redemption
location within an establishment upon presentation of said tokens by
patrons and automatically comparing the code on each presented token with
one or more predetermined winning codes;
(c) awarding prizes to only some of the patrons who present tokens bearing
said code matching said one or more predetermined winning codes;
(d) said tokens including a multiplicity of tokens bearing a common machine
readable code which common code matches said one or more predetermined
winning codes, said step of awarding prizes including the step of randomly
assigning prizes to patrons who present tokens bearing said common code,
said step of randomly assigning said prizes being performed upon
presentation of said tokens, said step of randomly assigning said prizes
including the step of actuating a random selection process in response to
presentation of a token bearing said common code.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said step of randomly assigning
prizes is performed so as to award prizes of different values to different
ones of the patrons who present a token bearing said common code.
3. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said tokens include a plurality
of classes of tokens, each such class including a multiplicity of tokens
bearing one of a plurality of common codes, the common code for at least
one of said classes being different from the common code for other ones of
said classes.
4. A method as claimed in claim 3, wherein there are a plurality of winning
codes such that each common code for each of said plural classes of tokens
matches one of said winning codes.
5. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said tokens include tokens which
are parts of packages of goods, said step of distributing said tokens
including the step of selling said packages of goods to patrons.
6. A method as claimed in claim 5, wherein said steps of automatically
reading codes on said tokens and awarding prizes are performed
concomitantly with the sale of the packages of goods to patrons.
7. A method as claimed in claim 6, wherein said step of automatically
reading said codes is performed by automatic data processing equipment and
the same automatic data processing equipment is employed to complete sale
transactions by which patrons purchase said packages go goods.
8. A method as claimed in claim 5, wherein said codes on said tokens which
are part of packages of goods are machine readable product identification
codes.
9. A method as claimed in claim 8, wherein each said token is a universal
product code symbol.
10. A method as claimed in claim 5 wherein all of said tokens are parts of
packages of goods.
11. A method as claimed in claim 5 wherein all of said packages of goods
are substantially identical to one another.
12. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said step of awarding prizes is
performed substantially immediately upon presentation of the token.
13. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said step of awarding prizes
includes the step of awarding prizes only to those patrons who meet one or
more predetermined additional qualifications.
14. A method as claimed in claim 13, wherein said step of automatically
reading said code and awarding said prizes is performed by data processing
apparatus at said redemption location, the method further comprising the
step of testing for said additional qualifications using said data
processing apparatus.
15. A method as claimed in claim 13, wherein said additional qualifications
include presentation of data identifying the patron, the method further
comprising the step of recording the identities of qualifying patrons.
16. A method as claimed in claim 15, wherein said additional qualifications
include time since last play by the same patron, the method further
comprising the step of recording times of presentations by particular
patrons.
17. A method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising the step of
recording times of play by individual patrons.
18. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least some of said tokens
are unique tokens, each said unique token bearing an identifying indicia
identifying a particular patron.
19. A method as claimed in claim 18, further comprising the step of
automatically recording times of presentation of a unique token assigned
to a particular patron by automatically reading the identifying indicia
thereon.
20. A method as claimed in claim 19, further comprising the step of
awarding items of value to particular patrons based on the frequency of
presentation of that patron's token.
21. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said step of distributing tokens
to patrons includes the step of distributing said tokens to prospective
patrons of said establishment at locations outside of the establishment.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to games, and particularly relates to games
wherein prizes are awarded.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Various establishments seek to attract patrons by offering something of
value to those prospective patrons who enter the establishment or who
purchase particular products. Such offers may be in the nature of a
promised free gift to each patron, to be awarded when the patron enters
the establishment. In these games, every person entering the
establishment, or every person entering the establishment and meeting
certain predetermined qualifications may receive the same gift. Likewise,
incentive schemes to induce purchase of particular products or services
ordinarily award the same gift to each purchaser. Other, similar schemes
utilize an element of random chance. For example, in a so called "match
and win" promotion, tokens bearing differing indicia, such as different
pictures or combinations of alphanumeric characters may be distributed to
prospective patrons. Different prizes are associated with some or all of
the different indicia, and the prize associated with each indicia is
posted or otherwise made known within the establishment. Thus, the
prospective patron must enter the establishment to determine what, if any,
prize he has won. Often, the various indicia include one or more very rare
indicia applied to only a few of the tokens and associated with prizes of
significant value and other, common indicia applied to the remaining
tokens and associated with prizes of minimal value or with no prize at
all. As only a few patrons will win prizes of significant value, the total
value of prizes distributed in the scheme will not pose a prohibitive cost
to the sponsor of the scheme. Nonetheless, the possibility, albeit remote,
of winning a prize of significant value provides a powerful incentive to
prospective patrons. Although games of this nature can be a useful
marketing tool, they suffer from significant drawbacks. Manufacture and
distribution of the tokens is costly. Security measures must be employed
to prevent persons involved in distribution of the tokens from calling out
those tokens bearing the rare indicia associated with valuable prizes and
diverting those tokens to their own use. The security measures add to the
cost of conducting the game. Moreover, these games provide minimal
entertainment to the patron. After the patron has determined what prize he
has won, the game is over insofar as he is concerned. The game thus has no
value whatever in inducing the customer to remain in the establishment.
Games of this nature normally are not integrated with any mechanism for
compiling a list of patrons entering the establishment for use in future
promotional efforts.
Other promotional schemes have been conducted using identical tokens, such
as identical coupons printed in newspaper advertisements and coupons
incorporated as part of packages for goods. Ordinarily, all of the tokens
or coupons used in such a scheme are identical and entitle the person
holding the coupon to the same value. For example, coupons can be printed
in a newspaper offering a discount on a specific item of merchandise in a
store. Also, packaged goods often carry coupons which either entitle the
customer to a discount on subsequent purchase of the goods or which can be
redeemed for unrelated merchandise. Many of these promotions involve
redemption by mail. In such promotions, the coupon or token may be
imprinted with a machine readable code such as a bar code. Where packaged
goods are involved, the bar code may be the universal product code or
"UPC" code used to identify the goods for inventory and sale purposes.
Promotions of this nature generally do not provide any element of
randomness. Thus, each consumer may acquire the same item of relatively
small value by presenting or redeeming the coupon or token. There is no
chance for the consumer to acquire a highly valuable prize.
Thus, despite the considerable effort that has been applied heretofore
towards improvements in promotional schemes, there are still needs for
further improvement.
The present invention addresses these needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of the present invention provides a gaming method including the
steps of automatically reading codes on tokens presented by patrons at a
redemption location within an establishment. Preferably, the method
includes the step of automatically comparing the code read from each
presented token with one or more predetermined winning codes and awarding
prizes to at least some of the patrons who present tokens bearing a code
matching a predetermined winning code. Desirably, the tokens include a
multiplicity of tokens all bearing a common machine readable code which
matches a winning code and the step of awarding prizes includes the step
of randomly assigning prizes to patrons who present tokens bearing this
common code. The tokens may include several classes of tokens, the tokens
of each class each bearing the same common code, but the common codes
differing among the different classes. There may be several winning codes
matching the different common codes. Preferably, the random assignment of
a prize to a patron presenting a token bearing the common code is
performed upon presentation of the token by the patron.
In a game of this nature, the prizes may vary substantially in value, so
that no prize or only a prize of small value is awarded to most of the
patrons who present a token with the common code but a prize of
substantial value is awarded to a few patrons. Because the game presents
the possibility of winning a prize of very substantial value, it gives the
prospective patron a substantial incentive to enter the establishment and
play the game. However, because the high-value prizes are not associated
prior to presentation with particular high-value tokens, there is no need
for special security measures to protect any special or unique tokens. It
is impossible for an insider to gain any particular advantage by selecting
some particular tokens. The tokens may be distributed with goods sold at
retail, as by distributing packages of goods bearing the tokens through
normal retail sale distribution channels. Most desirably, the token may be
a part of the goods package bearing a machine readable product
identification code. Most preferably, the tokens are universal product
code symbols. As such product identification code symbols are present on
goods packages for other purposes, there is no need to distribute any
special tokens and hence all of the costs associated with manufacturing
and distributing special tokens are eliminated. Moreover, the game may be
conveniently associated with purchase of particular products. Where a
universal product code symbol or other portion of a package for particular
goods constitutes the token, the prospective patron of the establishment
must purchase the goods in order to play the game. Where the redemption
location is at an establishment other than the location where the goods
are sold, the patron must visit the other establishment as well. This
provides a "tie-in" in that the game promotes both the goods and the other
establishment.
Alternatively, the redemption location may be in the establishment where
the goods are sold, and the steps of automatically reading the code and
awarding prizes may be performed concomitantly with sale of the goods.
Where the token is a part of a package, such as a universal product code
symbol, the step of automatically reading the code may be performed by the
same automatic data processing equipment as used in the sale transaction.
This provides the patron "instant" winning opportunity immediately upon
purchase of the goods. The method may also include the further step of
testing each patron who presents a token with the correct code for
additional qualifications and awarding prizes only to those patrons who
meet such additional qualifications. Such additional qualifications
typically are not associated with the tokens, but rather with the patron.
Preferably, the additional qualifications include presentation of data
identifying the patron, such as the patron's name and address, and the
method may further include the step of recording the identities of
qualifying patrons. These operations desirably are performed using the
same automatic data processing apparatus at the redemption location used
to automatically read the code on the tokens. This permits the
establishment to compile a list of patrons for future marketing efforts.
The method may also include the step of automatically recording the time
of presentation of a token by the individual patron in association with
the patron's identity, and the additional qualifications may include time
since last played by the patron. Alternatively or additionally, the time
record of presentation by individual patrons may be used to determine the
time span during which the patron has remained at the establishment, so
that patrons may be awarded either progressively larger prizes, greater
prize winning opportunities or other things of value for remaining within
the establishment during a prolonged period. The step of distributing
tokens may include the step of distributing tokens bearing both the
machine readable code for comparison with the winning code and identifying
indicia unique to the individual patron. These unique tokens may be
distributed either in place of or in addition to the uniform tokens, as by
mailing the unique tokens to individual patrons or giving the unique
tokens to the individual patrons upon presentation of one of the uniform
tokens. The identifying indicia may be automatically read to establish
patron identity as discussed above upon presentation of the token.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention
will be more readily apparent from the detailed description of the
preferred embodiment set forth below, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view showing certain elements used in a gaming
method according to one embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a flow chart depicting certain steps in operations according to
the method of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A game in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is ranged
to attract patrons to an establishment 10, which in this embodiment is a
legal gambling casino. At several redemption locations 12 within the
casino, electronic data processing apparatus 14 incorporating a standard
data entry terminal with conventional input and output devices including
an optical bar code reader 16. The data entry terminal may be a standard
terminal of the type used as a retail point of sale terminal such as the
terminal sold under the designation 1181 Twinax Point of Sale Terminal by
the International Business Machines corporation of Armonk, New York,
U.S.A. and the bar code reader and other input and output displays may be
standard devices of the type used with this terminal. The terminal 14 is
linked to a selectively operable illuminated sign or other selectively
operable display device arranged to display a conspicuous message which
can be seen from far away. The selectively operable message includes words
such as "winner", "jackpot" or the like indicating that someone has won a
high valued prize. Other, continuously displayed signs 20 indicate the
presence of a redemption location. Each of the other redemption locations
12 is provided with similar data processing equipment and signs (not
shown). The data processing equipment 14 at each redemption location 12 is
connected via standard data linkages to a central digital computer 22 of
standard design, which in turn is linked to a standard storage device 24
such as a disk or tape drive.
The game is played using several different types of tokens, of which four
types 30, 32, 34 and 36 are depicted in FIG. 1. Token 30 of the first type
are specially printed cards being the name of the establishment and also
bearing a machine readable bar code 38. Tokens of the second type 32 are
portions of packages 40 of a product sold at retail, in this case film.
Each token 32 contains a machine readable bar code 42 which in this case
is simply the universal product code associated with the film sold in
package 40. As will be appreciated, products sold at retail, as in grocery
and drug stores, typically carry a universal product code in machine
readable bar code form, this code being used in retail transactions for
product identification and charging purposes. The tokens 34 are coupons
bearing machine readable codes 44, these coupons being printed as portions
of newspaper advertisements 46. Tokens 36 are permanent or semi-permanent
card-like items, similar in structure to a credit or card from a past or
the like. Tokens 36 bear machine readable codes 48 and further machine
readable identifying indicia 50, which may also be in the form of a bar
code, the machine readable identifying indicia 50 identifying a particular
patron.
The machine readable gaming codes 38 on all of tokens 30 of the first type
may be the same. Likewise, all of tokens 32 may carry the same machine
readable gaming code 42, all tokens 34 may carry the same gaming code 44
and all tokens 36 of the fourth class may carry the same machine readable
gaming code 48. Codes 38, 42, 44 and 48 may be the same as one another but
desirably each is a different code. Tokens 38 are distributed to
prospective patrons of the establishment 10 by giveaway displays 53
mounted in various locations within the geographical target market of the
establishment, as at retail stores and the like. The displays 52 bear
indicia publicizing the contest and inviting the prospective patron to
take a token 30. Tokens 32 are distributed simply by ordinary retail
distribution of the packages 40 bearing the tokens 32. Inasmuch as the
token 32 is an ordinary part of the package which is present at all times,
the distributor of the packages 40 is not required to alter or modify the
package in any way so as to make it suitable for the game.
Packages 40 bearing tokens 32 of the second type may be distributed in the
ordinary fashion via retail stores. Prospective patrons may be advised of
the game, and advised that the universal product code section of the
packages 40 can be used as game tokens by any suitable advertising method,
as by television, radio or magazine advertisements and also by point of
purchase signs 54 if desired. Coupons or tokens 34 of the third type are
distributed by ordinary distribution of newspaper 56. Tokens 36 of the
fourth type are distributed within the establishment or casino 10, as
further described hereinbelow.
To play the game, the prospective patron must visit one of the redemption
locations 12 within the establishment or casino 10. When the patron
presents a token, the data processing apparatus including apparatus 14 at
the redemption location 12 executes a program as schematically shown in
FIG. 2. As a first step, the apparatus automatically reads the machine
readable gaming code on the token and tests for the presence of
predetermined winning codes. Each of codes 38, 42, 44 and 48 is a winning
code. Each winning code is associating with a separate prize pool. If the
token presented does not bear any of the winning codes, the data
processing equipment issues a reject message though the input/output
devices such as through a screen and the routine ends. If the data
processing equipment recognizes one of the winning codes, the program
branches to a branch associated with that particular gaming code. Thus, if
the token presented is a token of the second type, bearing code 42, the
data processing equipment will follow program branch 60. If the token
bears code 38, the program will follow branch 62, if the token bears
gaming code 48, the program will follow branch 64 and so on.
Assuming that the token presented is a token 32 of the second type, bearing
code 42, the data processing apparatus following branch 60 will display a
message requesting entry of the patron's name, address and other
identifying data. The apparatus then requests presentation of an
additional qualifying item which in this case is a parking receipt. This
additional qualifying item may be selected to target the game, or a
portion of the game, to only a select audience. For example, in the case
of a casino, the casino may wish to attract patrons who drive their own
automobiles, rather than patrons who arrive by bus or other public
transportation. Upon presentation of the proper parking receipt, an
employee of the casino enters an appropriate entry into data processing
equipment 14. The program then tests to see that the name and address have
been entered and that the appropriate code has also been entered to
indicate that a proper parking receipt was presented. If not, the
apparatus issues a reject message and the program ends. If the proper
entries have been made for name and address and for a proper parking
receipt, the data processing apparatus tests to determine whether the
patron presenting the token is a new patron or a patron already known to
the establishment.
This is performed by comparing the patron's name and address, or other
identifying information entered with patron records stored in central
records 24 associated with the central data processing unit 22. If the
patron is a new patron, his identity, including his name and address are
added to the patron database stored in records 24. Further, the printing
apparatus associated with data processing equipment 14 at the redemption
location 12 is actuated to prepare a new token 36 of the fourth type,
bearing gaming code 48 and also bearing the patron's identity 50 in
machine readable form. If the patron is not a new patron, no new token 36
is issued.
The data processing apparatus then tests the time of day against the time
at which the same patron last presented a token. This time is shown in the
records associated with the patron, as stored in central records 24. Of
course, if the patron is a new patron there will be no previous play time
recorded. The time from the last play is tested against a predetermined
criteria for patrons presenting a token of type 32. For example, the time
test may be set to allow each patron to present one token of type 32 every
24 hours, once a week or the like. If the time from the last play for that
patron is not sufficient, the data processing apparatus issues a reject
message and the program ends. If the time is sufficient, then the patron
has qualified to play, both by presentation of the token bearing the
correct code 42 and by meeting the other qualifications (supplying his
name and address, supplying a parking receipt and having waited a
sufficient time from his play). At this point, the data processing
apparatus records the time of play for that particular patron in central
records 42 and also credits an account associated with that patron with
points for continuity of play. The number of points credited to each
patron for each play may be determined by any desired predetermined
formula which the establishment believes will encourage patronage. For
example, the patron may be credited with a fixed number of continuity of
play points for each play, or with progressively increasing numbers of
points on second and subsequent plays. Points may also be deducted
automatically from a patron's account if no plays are made in some
specified time, so that only those patrons who play regularly will
accumulate substantial numbers of continuity points in their individual
accounts. These accounts may be used to determine which patrons play
frequently and hence which patrons are good customers of the
establishment, and also to reward such good customers, as by giving free
gifts when the number of points in a patron's account reaches some
predetermined total.
In the next operation along this branch of the program, the data processing
apparatus charges the account of a sponsor associated with code 42. In the
case of a token 32 distributed as part of a package 40, the sponsor
typically will be the manufacturer or distributor of the goods in package
40. By automatically recording the number of tokens bearing code 42 which
are presented and charging the sponsor's account for each such
presentation, this system can charge the sponsor in an amount proportional
to the results achieved, i.e., in an amount proportional to the number of
film packages 40 which the sponsor has sold to persons participating in
the game. At this point, the data processing apparatus randomly selects a
prize from a prize list or pool, denominated pool A. This selection
process can be performed by generating a random number through standard
random number generation techniques used in data processing and then
comparing that random number with preset ranges, each associated with a
particular prize. As will be appreciated, the prize to be awarded to any
particular patron presenting a token bearing code 42 is determined solely
by the randomization process and by the preset ranges associated with
prize pool A. The prize to be awarded to that particular patron is
determined only after the patron has presented the token. The prize
awarded is then displayed by data processing apparatus 14. Although the
foregoing steps are complex in description, the same are accomplished
substantially immediately upon presentation of the token and other
required qualifying items by the patron. Thus, the patron receives
substantially instant gratification in the nature of knowing any prize
which has he won. The data processing apparatus is also arranged to test
the prize awarded against some predetermined criteria of value and, if the
value exceeds that predetermined criteria, to actuate indicator 18 and
thus make other patrons aware that an individual has won a high valued
prize. By activating indicator 18, the system adds to the air of
excitement and reinforces the desire of other players present within the
establishment to play.
The method steps are substantially similar when other tokens such as tokens
30 of the first class or tokens 34 of the third class are presented, and
hence program branch 62 associated with code 38 and hence associated with
tokens 30 of the first class is substantially similar to program branch
60, and the other program branch (not shown) associated with tokens 34 of
the third class may be substantially similar as well. However, each of
these program branches, intensely treatment associated with different
tokens, may be varied as desired to omit or add steps, and to change
conditions. For example, the qualifiers may be varied along the different
program branches so that patrons presenting the tokens of the first type
may be required to present a bus ticket rather than a parking receipt, and
the prize pool used with these patrons may be somewhat less favorable. For
example, along program branch 62 the prizes which may be won, or the
probability of winning a high value prize, may be different from along
program branch 60. Likewise, the step of issuing a new token 36 may be
omitted from some of these program branches. If the establishment is not
interested in adding new patrons to its database, the step of requiring
name and address or other identifying data, and the steps of adding the
patrons to a particular database may be omitted, as may be the step of
checking the time from the last play for a particular patron. In this
case, patrons may play as many times as they present the appropriate
tokens. Typically, with tokens such as tokens 30, 32 and 34, the token is
taken by the establishment and kept upon presentation, so that the token
can be presented only once. Where the token is not associated with goods,
such as tokens 30 and 34, distributed by the establishment itself, there
is no need to charge a sponsor account.
Tokens 36 are intended to be permanently or semi-permanently possessed by
the patron. As discussed above, the same may be awarded upon presentation
of a temporary token such as tokens 30, 32 or 34. The program branch 64
used with such a permanent token 36 is similar to program branch 60,
except that the indicia 50 identifying the individual patron are read by
the apparatus rather than requesting and entering the name and address of
the patron. Also, as depicted, the program branch 64 does not require the
patron to present a parking receipt or other qualifying item apart from
the token 36 itself. Inasmuch as the data processing apparatus has
automatically read the patron identifying indicia 50, the program branch
64 can include crediting of continuity points to the patron and a test for
time from the same patron's last play. Here again, if the patron
qualifies, as by having an acceptable time from last play, the prize for
the patron is selected from a prize pool by an automatic randomization
process. Desirably, the automatic randomization process may be adjusted in
accordance with continuity credits in the patron's account. For example,
where the patron has accumulated a large number of continuity points, the
ranges of random numbers associated with high value prizes may be
automatically expanded so as to give the patron a greater chance of
winning a high value prize. This creates a powerful incentive to the
patron to remain within the establishment and continue to play the game.
As will be appreciated, while the patron is in the establishment, he
normally will utilize other services and/or make other purchases, so that
the establishment profits more the longer the patron remains in the
establishment.
Games in accordance with the present invention may be varied in almost
innumerable ways. One very significant advantage of games in accordance
with the invention is that the game can be varied simply by reprogramming
the data processing apparatus. In particular, the game can be converted
instantaneously to operate with different tokens simply by reprogramming
the codes in the data processing apparatus. Where the newly programmed
codes match universal product codes or other standard product identifying
codes on packaged goods, the game can be revised to establish a marketing
tie-in with a new sponsor almost immediately. Thus, in the game as
described above, purchase of a package 40 of film provides the consumer
with a token 32 bearing the proper winning code 42 to enter the game.
However, the establishment can reprogram the computer to accommodate the
universal product codes 70 on packages of beer 72 (FIG. 1) or any other
package goods. The game can thus be revised almost instantaneously to
establish a new marketing strategy in which the establishment works with a
different supplier of packaged goods. To establish such a new marketing
strategy, there is no need to distribute specially marked packages or
other special tokens. Likewise, there is no need to dispose of obsolete
packages bearing offers or codes which are no longer valid. The cost of
printing special packages is entirely obviated. If desired, any or all of
the token types discussed above can be eliminated. In its simplest form,
the game can be played using only a single type of token.
In another, particularly useful variant of the game, the reading and prize
awarding steps can be performed in the same establishment where packaged
goods incorporating the tokens are sold. Thus, the data processing
equipment 12 may be located within a store where packages 40 bearing
tokens 32 are sold. Thus, a patron may purchase a package incorporating a
token and play the game immediately upon such purchase. In a particularly
preferred arrangement, the data processing equipment 12 used to read the
codes on the tokens and award the prizes may be the same data processing
equipment as employed in consummating the sale transaction. Thus, where
the goods are sold using an automatic cash register or similar equipment,
which reads a product identification code on a product package in the
course of making the sale, and where a token is a part of a package
bearing the product identification code, the same reading step may be
employed both as part of the sale transaction and as the token code
reading step of the game. Stated another way, the patron gains a chance to
win a prize when the automatic cash register the point of sale record the
patrons' purchase of the particular goods bearing the correct product
identification code. Games of this nature may be employed usefully in
retail establishments such as supermarkets, toy stores and the like. Here
again, the ability to charge back to a sponsor, such as the manufacturer
or distributor of the goods bearing the particular identification codes,
the absence of any need for special goods packages or other specially
distributed tokens and the ability to change promotions at will provides a
uniquely effective marketing tool.
As will be appreciated, laws bearing on gambling and the lotteries limit
certain types of promotions involving an element of chance, particularly
where purchase of goods or services is required as a precondition for
entry into the game. Games according the present invention can be, and are
intended to be, operated in conformity with the applicable laws. Such laws
ordinarily require that the patron or prospective patron be allowed to
enter any game of chance without purchasing anything or paying money to
acquire an entry. Ordinarily, such laws are satisfied if the patron has
the opportunity to acquire a game token without a purchase. For example,
where portions of goods packages bearing product identification codes are
employed as gaming tokens, the patron or prospective patron may be
afforded an opportunity to acquire gaming tokens bearing the same codes by
some method which does not involve purchase, as by writing a letter to the
sponsor of the game requesting same.
As will appreciated, numerous variations and combinations of the features
described above can be utilized without departing from the present
invention as defined by the claims. Accordingly, the foregoing description
of the preferred embodiment should be taken by way of illustration rather
than by way of limitation of the invention as defined in the claims.
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